“I have decided to stop the rollout of the new-look police cars immediately. We will not be ordering any new grey police cars,” Saunders said.

The rollout began in September as a life-cycle program.

“As cruisers need to be replaced they will be replaced with the grey/white car,” said police spokesperson Meaghan Gray in an email. “For a time, there will be a mix of grey and white cruisers on the road.”

The concern that has been expressed has convinced me that further work is necessary.

—Police Chief Mark Saunders

Saunders said he made the decision based on feedback from residents.

“As I meet with the people of the city at many events, including numerous town halls, among the subjects that are raised the new look of our police cars has come up often,” he said.

“There are people who like them. There are people who don’t like them.”

Will taxpayers feel the pinch?

According to retired OPP sergeant Cam Woolley, the colour controversy will not affect taxpayers.

“All they do is change the colour in the order. It doesn’t change anything else about the car or the price. Nothing changes for the taxpayer. They just switch the paint codes,” Woolley said.

Saunders said police will be setting up opportunities for consultation before moving forward.